BOCA RATON PUBLIC LIBRARY CHESS CLASS A HIT! Kids from 7-17 have been learning the moves and strategies of chess on Saturday mornings this past summer at the Boca Raton Public Library. Chess is a game that strengthens one’s critical thinking skills. Retired educator Barbara McManus, a member of the City of Boca Raton Education Advisory Board, suggested and then supervised the classes. Other Board Members became instructors. McManus explained that chess is NOT a game of luck, but rather of the ability of the players to analyze, reason, and plan ahead and involves geometric patterns and spatial relationships. McManus hopes to coordinate another series of chess classes at the Boca Raton Public Library in the coming year. Volunteers to teach chess or participate in another way can contact Catherine Vanden Broeck, volunteer coordinator for the city of Boca Raton, at 561-393-7700.

RECENT GRANT TO HELP OUR CHILDREN Remember the slogan, “A (wo)man never stands so tall as when they stoop to help a child?” A new Boca Raton children’s support group, the first of its kind in the US, and other schools with projects devoted to caregiving children, are among the recipients of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s $500,000 grant. About 15,000 children in Palm Beach County care for relatives with mental illness, disability or frailty, without any organized support, taking time away from their education and homework hours. The Volunteers Homebound & Family Caregivers Inc. are helping bring aid to those children, and to promote awareness of the dual role of youth who are both students and young caregivers within families. The Caregiving Youth Project will use grant money to determine whether 1,000 children are emotionally and physically healthy, get adequate education with time for homework. The funding will support 100 children in 10 schools. Among those being worked with are Boca Middle School, Congress Middle School and Lantana Middle School. Olympic Heights High School may be included. There are 192 Boca Middle School students who are caregivers.

WANT A HOUSE IN A HEALTHY, WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOOD? Buying a house in a walkable neighborhood is good for your health and good for the environment. Homebuyers, renters, and real estate agents can find houses and apartments in great neighborhoods. Walk Score shows you a map of what's nearby and calculates a Walk Score for any property.

THIS COULD BE A BREAK FOR HOMEOWNERS…

The Florida Board of Administration is meeting to discuss options to be sure that, in case of a hurricane, there will be funds to cover losses, and are considering a $5-BB loan for the Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, which currently has about $5-BB on hand from private insurers paid premiums and money borrowed last year still left over. Members of the Board include Governor Charlie Crist and the Attorney General and CFO. CFO Alex Sink liked the borrowing option and said that interest income might cover interest that would be paid. They are developing a proposal to allow their staff to negotiate to borrow funds.

The Catastrophe Fund pays claims above what private insurance companies must pay in the event a further need develops. To reduce the cost of private wind coverage for Florida homeowners, lawmakers expanded the “Cat Fund” this year so the state would pay the difference.

FAR “PUTS MONEY WHERE ITS MOUTH IS” RE PROPERTY TAX REFORM BALLOT

The Florida Association of Realtors, the largest trade group in the state, with 150,000 members, has pledged up to $1-MM to support passage of the Save Our Homes Amendment to allow homeowners to continue the 1992 Amendment for a 3% tax cap or to choose a new “super-homestead” exemption, taking up to $195,000 off their home’s taxable value. Passage of this amendment will provide meaningful tax relief for thousands of families including 1^st time homebuyers, and will equalize neighbor’s property taxes, says the FAR President Nancy Riley. She stated that then nurses, police officers, teachers and emergency first responders can afford to live in the communities they serve.

BREAST CARE SCREENINGS AT
BOCA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SATELLITES

BRCH has opened a satellite location of the Diagnostic Center of Boca Raton BRCH on the Clint Moore campus, Suite 114, at 1905 Clint Moore Road, offering state-of-the-art digital technology for breast screenings with hours from Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Other locations are at the Women’s Center at BRCH, 690 Meadows Road and Women’s Center at Deerfield, 1979 W Hillsboro Boulevard, Suite 3, Deerfield Beach. Screening appointments are now available – call 561-955-5000.

BOCA MUSEUM PLANS EXHIBIT OF DEGAS SCULPTURES

While a Jacksonville art gallery owner claims the 74 sculptures are “fakes,” made after Degas’ death in 1917, the Museum’s Board of Trustees discounts the art gallery owner’s opinion, noting the goal might be “to get his name in the newspaper.” Museums currently displaying all or portions of the Degas bronzes include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles and the Chicago Institute of Art in Chicago. The National Endowment for the Humanities has underwritten some of the insurance expenses for the upcoming show. The museum’s website says that the exhibit, DEGAS IN BRONZE, “offers an extremely rate opportunity to view 74 sculptures, posthumously cast in bronze from Degas’ original composite and wax models.”

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION…

With reports just in that New York City and Salt Lake City are avoiding “the [real estate] bust,” can Palm Beach County be far behind? Some investors tell me they are “sitting on the sidelines” waiting for prices to keep dropping… other investors want to “sell and get out now,” but in many cases sellers are “standing pat.” Expired listings number near or over 500 properties each day. Some sellers cancel listings after getting low low bids. Remember that June and July are usually “slow months” with so many residents and part-timers out of town. August has been an outstanding month for sales in past years as folks come down to purchase residences for this coming winter… perhaps that will happen in 2007 as well. As a Realtor, I can tell you that every day in this career is exciting… new faces… new properties… no two ever alike. Like the stock market, real estate is cyclical… and what goes down will go up… just a matter of time. Stay cool. Hang in there.

Marilyn Farber Jacobs, Realtor, ePRO

IF YOU "FLIP" HOMES THIS MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU

A nationwide search is being done for the new cast of characters who will be featured on the upcoming season of Flip This House! The producers are searching for confident, charismatic, motivated and opinionated people who "flip" residential properties for a living. They want real-estate adrenaline junkies who love the high risk, high reward nature of their jobs and who are devoted to doing a great job! If you would like your team featured on the upcoming season send me an email and I’ll have them contact you.

marilynfjacobs@gmail.com

CELEBRATING THE 4^th OF JULY

BOCA RATON:

Wear your red, white and blue outfit and mosey over to FAU, beginning at 6 pm on Wednesady, July 4^th for a musical revue at 4 pm of “An American Songbook: Irving Berlin, at FAU’s University Theater. Tickets are $20. At 5:30, a few blocks away, the outdoor event will begin with games at the carnival midway and family activities. The muxic beings with the “Rumor Has It” band offering music of the 1950’s and 1960’s. At 6 pm family activities are held and at 6:30 pm there will be a stage show, “You’re A Grand Old Flag. At 7:30 the Florida Wind Symphony presents a patriotic musical tribute including vocal selections from the “Irving Berlin Review” and popular family musical, “Bye Bye Birdie, both currently being presented at the University Theatre.

At 9 pm, a fireworks display will take place with traditional patriotic music supplied by Radio station WRMF 97.9 FM.

Other activities include appearances by FAU athletic teams and coaches, clowns amking animal sculptured balloons, face painting, sand art, gift drawings and family games. Special music and activities will be provided by the Childrens Museum and Glass Productions. “Operation Goody Boxes”, coordinated by the Humanitarian Society and othes, will receive monetary donations at their tent by the stage area to prepare and mail “goody boxes” to troops overseas.

Food vendors will provide picnic-type foods. No personal fireworks, open fires, pets or alcoholic beverages allowed. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Closest parking lots to the events are 1, 2, 4 and the parking garage next to parking lot 1. Those with handicapped needs are asked to use the 20^th Street entrance and go to parking lot 1. For information call 561-393-7806, selection 2.

More and more positive mentions of home sales are being seen in the media.

NAR projects that sales will have a gradual upturn becoming more pronounced by the end of 2007. FAR reports that statewide sales of existing single-family homes in Florida totaled 12,607 in May, which is more in line with May 2002 activity, prior to the housing boom years, than May 2006 with 19,072 homes – a 34% decrease in the year-to-year comparison.

The MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) reported that the Boca-West Palm area had 741 homes sold last month compared to 982 a year ago, producing a 25% decrease. Median price was $387,800 whereas in May 2006 it ws $391,000 resulting ina 1% decrease. 613 existing condos changed hands last month, up 11% from the 552 condos sold the previous year. Existing condo medial sales price in May was $217,400; a year ago it was $218,900, for a 1% decrease.

Among the state’s larger markets, the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reported 741 existing homes sold last month compared to 982 homes sold a year ago for a 25 percent decrease. The market's median sales price for homes was $387,800; it was $391,000 in May 2006 for a 1 percent decrease. A total of 613 existing condos changed hands in the MSA last month, up 11 percent from the 552 condos sold the previous year. The existing condo median sales price in May was $217,400; a year ago, it was $218,900 for a 1 percent decrease.

WEST BOCA LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN IN JULY

The new 20,000 sq ft facility, costing $12-MM, will be located on the west side of State Road 7/Highway 441 between Clint Moore and Yamato. A 40-foot strip of land creating a right-of-way has been conveyed by Palm Beach County to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Library Director John J. Callahan III says that book circulation numbers are up 13% this year vs. 2006. There will be wireless access throughout the building, and the library will include computers, DVDs and auction tapes.

County library holders can use any of the 14 branches in the Palm Beach County Library System.

ISRAEL BONDS INVESTMENT BILL SIGNED BY GOV CHRIST

A bill authorizing county and local governments throughout the state to invest surplus funds in bonds backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Israel has been adopted by the Florida State Legislature, starting July 1st, and was signed by Governor Charlie Christ on June 8th at a ceremony at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton.

Those authorized to invest are state agencies, municipal fire and police pension funds and local governments.

Gov. Christ recently returned from a trip to Israel that focused on bilateral trade between Israel and the State of Florida.

The first Israel bond was sold in 1951 and close to $25-billion in investment capital has been secured for the development of every aspect of Israel’s economy including agriculture, commerce and industry, and to absorb Jews from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and elsewhere.

More than $100-million of Israel Bonds are purchased every year within the State of Florida by individuals, corporations, pension plans, universities, hospitals, foundations, unions, banks and insurance companies.

“PROTECTING FLORIDA’S INVESTMENTS ACT” SIGNED

Florida has now become the first state in the US to link its public investments with the actions of “rogue” nations.

The new law allows Florida to divest some of its $150-BB fund and other public investments from firms that refuse to stop doing business with or otherwise support Iran and Sudan. Genocide and the development of nuclear weapons by Iran, the “world’s leading state sponsor of terror,” will not be sponsored by Florida, said Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and he praised Florida Governor Charlie Christ, just back from a trip to Israel, for signing the bill.

Deutch says he is working with other states to accomplish a similar program, and Governor Christ has sent letters to Governors of 49 other states encouraging them to follow suit. Deutch said the use of the law would require three steps: Identify firms with ties described by the law, Engage those firms “in a dialogue that causes them to understand what they are doing, and Ask that those ties be severed. If they are not severed, those stocks will be divested from the pension funds holdings.

This bill was signed by Governor Christ at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton.

FLORIDA’S HERITGAGE TO BE SHOWN IN ART SHOW & THEATRE AT SUGAR SANDS PARK

Willow Theatre presents “The Life of Ivy Stranahan: A florida Pioneer, Saturday June 23^rd at 2 pm. Reknowned historical Chautauqa portrayal artist tells tales of old Florida, with Mrs. Stranahan trekking through knee-deep mud, championing the Seminole Indians cause and becoming Ft. Lauderdale’s first teacher, a portrait of achievement and courage. Tickets are $12. Purchase at box office (561-347-3948).

The Boca Historical Society exhibits will include”Herstory: Boca Raton’s Pioneer Women.”

Sugar Sands Park Community Center and the Willow Theatre are located at 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton (561-347-3900 or www.sugar-sandpark.org).

100 COMPUTERS PURCHASED FOR PUBLIC USE BY NEW BOCA LIBRARY

With construction back on track and completion expected by the end of the year, there will be 65,000 books and 7,000 other media (DVD’s and CD’s). Computers will be purchased and there will be 2 computer labs, one for children and the other for adults. Another new library is planned on a parcel of land just north of the existing downtown facility at 100 NW Second Avenue.

UPDATE: FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

PROPERTY TAX – “where it is” on 5-4-07

The Florida Legislature suspended negotiations on Save Our Homes portability, rollbacks and other property tax reform proposals until next month when lawmakers return to Tallahassee for a 10-day special session from June 12-June 22. Both sides have already agreed on two FAR-supported tax relief measures - $25,000 exemption on personal intangible property for small businesses and some form of Save Our Homes portability (terms not released). Sources say that so far there is agreement on cutting property taxes by about $20-$25-billion over 5 years; no sales tax increase; some form of Save our Homes portability.

To write your legislator send an email to http://floridarealtors.org - see Legislative Center.

Legislators made it easier for certain property owners to get insurance from Citizens which is now Florida’s largest insurer with 1.3 million policyholders. Property owners will be allowed into the Citizens pool if the only insurance they could obtain on the private market was 15% more expensive than what they would pay Citizens. Citizens rates would freeze through 2008. On Jan 1, 2009, Citizens would again be allowed to raise rates.

Homes valued at over $750,000 and located in high-risk zones will be required to install opening protections as of July 1, 2008 if they seek a building permit for work estimated at $50,000 or more. By 1/1/2009, all homes valued at over $750,000 in high-risk zones must be fitted wit opening protections to remain eligible for Citizens coverage. This is to help reduce some of the risk in the event of a devastating storm. Free inspections of 400,000 single-family homes is called for and grants and loan are provided to certain homeowners to make improvements to strengthen their home against storms.

Home inspectors, mold remediators and mold assessors will be required to be licensed by the Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation as of July 1, 2010 IF SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR.

Landlords are limited to a financial penalty when a tenant breaks a lease of two months of rent for leases of less than a year. Effective at once IF THE GOVERNOR SIGNS IT.

Mortgage brokers and lenders will now have many disclosure and education requirements to help protect consumers during the mortgage loan application process. This bill includes additional enforcement and investigative tools for prosecuting mortgage fraud. The definition of “primary title services” and “related title services” will be amended and a civil court case codified that permits a portion of a title insurance premium to be rebated IF SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR.

SPEEDING FINES INCREASED IN “Enhanced Penalty Zones”

The Florida DOT has designated 3 parts of highway as enhanced penalty zones. One is a 6-mile stretch on I-95. Signs are now up and the fines will be an additional $50, starting May 1^st. Lawmakers wanted to create a pilot program through FDOT for enhanced penalty zones on state roads in areas with higher than average crash rates related to speeding. Fifty percent of the additional $50 fine will be allocated to the Health Care Administration to provide an enhanced Medicaid payment to nursing homes for brain and spinal cord injury among Medicaid patients. The other 50 percent of the fine will be given for financial support to certified trauma centers in the counties where enhanced penalty zones are established.

RECORD PROFITS IN 2006 FOR NATION’S PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURERS
Industry net income rose to $63.7-BB in 2006 from $44.2-BB in 2005, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Assn. Most of the improvement, they said, was because of fewer catastrophic storms in 2006 than in 2005. Profits were also boosted by stronger underwriting gains, which are premiums minus losses and admin expenses. While a highly active hurricane season was predicted for 2006, it gave insurers much-needed time to recover from the six 2005 catastrophic hurricanes. Chief Economist, of the PCIAA, Genio Staranczak, said that insurers need to worry about future storms. Increased property values, growing population and a threat of more frequent and severe storms in high risk areas of the US create a financial problem the nation must deal with. Colorado State U experts predict that the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season will be very active with 9 hurricanes.